Watercolor Painting - Back to Basics (Don’t be overwhelmed by your watercolor supplies)

[@juststartingover2735]

Thank you for realistic recommendations for what most people starting out would want to buy.. you gave affordable options with room to grow into the more expensive options if you decide to continue your watercolor journey. Very smart! Too many artists recommend “get the most expensive you can afford”, and then you are afraid to use them (waste them) because you are a beginner, often needing to experiment etc. This was so very helpful. Such a fan of yours!!

[@shanacirce2667]

You are so welcome!

[@martina1970]

Thank you. This was very informative. I needed this. 😊

[@mariansmartt]

Great video. So informative. I love the Princeton brushes as you do. And I chose to get a smaller number of paints but get the good Arches paper. I started on Fabriano cellulose paper and it frustrated me. So I held off on a bunch of paint to get good paper. Thanks so much for all your great videos Shana. I’m new at painting and I learn so much from you. You are a great teacher!

[@grandma1]

Thanks wish I had seem this it could have possibly saved me money. I say possibly because I think I'm a watercolor hoarder love all the supplies. Really enjoyed you color mixing video you're the first person to explain the cool and warm colors and why you get the colors you end up getting. Thank you for sharing your time , talent and wisdom.

[@shanacirce2667]

Haha. Join the watercolor hoarder club, I’m definitely a long time member. It’s so fun to try new supplies, so no shame in being a collector of new supplies if you can. But if you have to start somewhere and need to keep it simple, you don’t need a lot. Also, I live color mixing. It think it’s like magic but I know it can be overwhelming to beginners

[@carolgehman6036]

Very informative! Wish I would have seen something like this 4 years ago when I was starting with watercolors! 🙂

[@shanacirce2667]

Thanks Carol! Hopefully the next generation of beginners gets something out of it. 😀

[@R_H21]

When my son was little, I bought a Cotman tube set (12 colors + palette). I wasn’t into watercolor, I just wanted to illustrate stories for him, so the paints sat in the garage barely used. They are now probably 16-18 years old and I would say the paints are still very good. The pigments are still vibrant and have not dried or separated from the binder (unlike some of my artist paints that sat less than a year). Now that I’ve tried several brands, I can say I still enjoy my Cotman tubes. I’ve done a painting that we kept in a sunny room for 2+ years and I would say the painting still looks vibrant. I haven’t done a lightfast test but I work almost exclusively in my sketchbooks anyway. When it comes to paper, it really depends on the artist’s goals. These days, I use art for therapy, not for selling or displaying. My work is for me, not for others, and all I need is to express what’s inside. I am enjoying line and wash because it is quick and easy. I do a lot of journaling on all types of paper…. and you just learn to work with each type. But for learning techniques, US Art Supply watercolor book can be found on Amazon, and is decently tolerant of washes and multiple layers. I bought many Arches pads when they were on sale on Amazon - “Used” but in “Like new” condition. I’m actually afraid to use them (they’re so precious!) but I would like to bind the sheets into small sketchbooks. Small paintings = less waste, imo.

[@pennywheeler2598]

Love this video. Very informative. And your hair looks fantastic.🎨

[@patlatour2465]

I really like the canson Xl m’y daughter is more advanced she uses cotton and finds on the web, one day I’ll break down and treat myself. 😊 I can say artist lift is not my favorite.😮thank you very informative.

[@joanpringle-canning2834]

🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗